Nesting swans

by opal
(Ontario canada)

Nesting Swans

This is acrylic on a 16 x 20 canvas. I am new to painting and want to try it all. I thought this painting offered me a few challenges, with the water, the back lighting, and drawing the swans. I am really happy with the whole painting especially the water and the grasses.

If I were to do it again I would pay closer attention to the swans necks. I think they should be slimmer. I am hoping to learn watercolor and I would like to attemp this painting with that medium. Your comments good or bad are very welcome . Thanks

Comments for Nesting swans

I'm painting the same picture and hope I can do as well. Thank you, Jerry Yarnell!

Aug 29, 2013Rating

Perfectby: Bonnie

Don't change anything. It is perfect! Lighting excellent!

May 15, 2011Rating

great job!by: Anonymous

I think you did a great job. Your painting is beautiful!

Mar 25, 2011Rating

Nesting swansby: Avra

All your work is lovely. A few artists can learn from you.

Jun 24, 2009Rating

Very nice!by: Jill

The swans look so pretty against the water, great job!

Mar 11, 2009Rating

Love your Swan Paintingby: Lynne

I'm very new to this kind of painting and have never done this ever before. I found a class which begins this next Monday and I can't wait to learn. I think you did a beautiful job and I sure wouldn't change anything on it if I were you. wow!

Thanks,Lynne

Keep up the fantastic work!

Jan 07, 2009Rating

Nesting swansby: Betty

I love your painting. I took up Acrylics early 2008 not being able to draw a straight line without a ruler. I am leaning towards landscapes and love painting sky and water, but I don't seem to be able to get the life and reflections I need. Have you any tips on water reflections you can help me with.

Jan 23, 2008Rating

great jobby: kathy

I am also new to painting and I think you did a fantastic job on your painting. I wouldn't change a thing..... the necks look fine !
The lighting in the picture and the colours in the water create a peaceful atmosphere just right for " nesting"
Keep up the great work.....I look forward to seeing more of your paintings!

Jan 06, 2008Rating

Lovely couple!by: Lana

The water looks real to me. I like the scene and all the details. Great job indeed!

Nov 18, 2007Rating

Closer Attentionby: Dezi

Okay, you pay closer attention, and I'll enjoy the view. The work on this portrait is just beautifully done from the tips of the waves on the water to the blades of grass to the swans themselves. I think you'll be great at watercolor, too!

Nov 18, 2007Rating

Swansby: Vicki

This is very lovely. I love your highlights on the water. Very realistic.

Nov 18, 2007Rating

fabulousby: Linda Prem

Is this your first painting? The great part about your work is the water and the lighting. Unbelievable. If you can offer tips on drawing water in the tips part of this website, I would be thankful.

Nov 18, 2007Rating

nesting swansby: opal

I need to claify-- new to this kind of painting.I have done decorative painting. You know!! Painting little flowers and snowmen etc. You do learn a lot about shading , highlighting etc. I really wanted to get into landscapes and fine art. I watch every show on tv and buy videos and books. I scour the internet for information. Thats how I found Bob. Its a great informative and well done web site. Like a lot of others I retired in the last couple of years and wanted to do something to broaden my horizons and keep me focused. Painting is the answer. I absolutely love it. Thanks for your many kind comments.

Nov 18, 2007Rating

First successby: Anonymous

I've been trying to paint water since I started art lessons last October - without success. This is fantastic! Your first painting! Unbelievable. Well done!

Nov 18, 2007Rating

well done indeedby: Anonymous

To say you are a beginner, you have done excellent I can not do water can you talk me through it well done Irene Ann

Nov 17, 2007Rating

Nesting Swansby: Joy in Australia

Hello Opal,

New to painting????? Well this is a fabulous start..... the water is painted superbly and as for the Swans you couldnt get much better.....I applaud you for your work here

Nov 17, 2007Rating

BEAUTIFULby: LINDA

The water, the grass is beautiful a wonderful glimpse of spring/summer. The width of the necks looks fine to me, in proportion, if anything the head is little large??? I don't really know for sure. The ruffled feathers, maybe not quite right - but hey and I really mean this, it is a beautiful piece of work. Be proud!

Nov 17, 2007Rating

swansby: dave.

This is lovely, don't bother with watercolor this is far better.

Nov 18, 2007Rating

Good Renditionby: Anonymous

Your painting is a good & precise rendition from Jerry Yarnell's "School of Fine Art" TV program and book "Creating Light" shown here in Canada.
His step by step instructions are wonderful, and one can learn a lot from him by doing these paintings but perhaps's you should try using his techniques in an original composition.